After several failed attempts to set up shop in Canada, the Guardian Angels are trying once again — with dozens of volunteers set to begin walking Toronto's streets within days.

Holly Weisflock is one of 75 people who will graduate in the city next week as members of the Guardian Angels — the controversial New York-based group whose recruits wear easily identifiable red berets as they patrol the streets to deter crimes.

"It's very empowering as a woman to stand up for something you really believe in, trying to make a difference and be a positive role model," said Weisflock, who trained at a martial arts studio for three months.

Group has yet to take hold in Canada

Even though the organization has expanded to 60 cities around the world since it was founded in 1979, The Guardian Angels has yet to establish a Canadian presence other than an administrative office in Toronto.

Weisflock said she joined the group once before, when the Angels made a second bid to gain a foothold in Toronto in the early 1990s.

Before the failed bid in the early 1990s, the group also briefly opened a chapter in Toronto in the mid-1980s — but both attempts spurred the same sort of controversy that has dogged the group elsewhere.

Critics warned that the Guardian Angels were nothing more than posses of vigilantes, with some accusing them of provoking as much crime as they deter. In both bids, the group pulled out after drawing protests from local police and politicians.

Patrols not just about crime, recruit says

Weisflock, who trained at a martial arts studio for three months, said the patrols are not only about crime.

Guardian Angels also see themselves as just neighbours helping neighbours, she said.

"You wouldn't believe how many needles we picked up in Parkdale so that kids going out to play wouldn't be playing with them or touching them," she said.

Mayor won't meet with Guardian Angels

Neither Toronto's mayor, David Miller, nor police Chief Bill Blair have met with the Guardian Angels. The mayor said he has no plans to.

'I believe in the police policing Toronto.' -Toronto Mayor David Miller

"I believe in the police policing Toronto," said Miller.

However, he said that if the Guardian Angels are not breaking the law, there's nothing that can stop the red berets from patrolling city streets.

Curtis Sliwa founded the Guardian Angels while working as a night manager of a McDonald's restaurant in the Bronx in New York. The group began as a group of safety patrollers on the city's streets and subways.

The Guardian Angels recently announced plans to begin walking Edmonton's streets in October.